Shinkendo (真剣道, 眞劍道) is a martial art that
teaches the way of samurai swordsmanship. Literally, "Shin" can be
translated as 'real', "ken" as 'sword', and "do" as 'way', thus-
"Way of the Real Sword".
Another way of interpreting the name is by the parts "Shinken" and "Do".
"Shinken" by itself can literally mean 'real sword,' but a more colloquial
Japanese meaning is 'seriousness' or 'earnestness', thus the other
interpretation of the sword art's name is
"Way
of Earnesty".
Shinkendo was founded by
Toshishiro Obata (小幡 利城)
Mr. Obata joined the Tokyo Wakakoma (an elite
group of martial artists, who serve as fight scene choreographers,
actors and stuntmen for Japanese television and movies). Through the
experience with the Tokyo Wakakoma and the martial arts connections made
during this time, Mr. Obata was able to seriously study classical sword
arts as well as other Budo (Japanese war arts) while concurrently
developing skills as an action coordinator and actor. He was named
Bushido Shihan of the Tate dojo (internal to the Wakakoma) and led
instruction in Bajutsu (archery from
horseback), Yoroi (the wearing of traditional clothing and armor),
Yarijutsu (spear) and Naginata (Japanese halberd).
In 1980, Mr. Obata came to the USA to pursue the
development of his career as an actor and stunt choreographer. After 10
years as the Soke (Chief Instructor) of the USA Toyama and
Nakamura Ryu Battodo
Federation, Mr. Obata redirected his efforts into developing the
fundamentals of the sword art "Shinkendo" - a system based upon his vast
experience, knowledge and historical research.
Shinkendo revolves around the structure of Gorin Goho Gogyo.
Gorin Goho Gogyo
are five equally balanced interacting rings that symbolize the five
major methods of technical study. These include Suburi (sword swinging
drills), Tanrengata (Solo forms), Battoho (combative drawing and cutting
methods), Tachiuchi (sparring), and Tameshigiri/Shizan (cutting straw
and bamboo targets).
Students of Shinkendo train with a Bokuto, which is a wooden sword. They
advance to training with an Iaito or Mugito, a non-sharpened sword.
Finally they use a Shinken, or a "live blade." At more advanced levels,
the student may test his skill by test cutting practice on tatami omoto
makiwara, which are rolled up tatami mats which were previously soaked
in water. Eventually the student test cuts using Nihondake or Mosodake,
Japanese or Chinese bamboo. Test cutting alone is not the ultimate goal.
A full and complete integration of sword and practice and its concepts
should be achieved before students touch a real sword.
Suburi
- Isolating and practicing the basics of
ken sabaki (sword movement), tai sabaki (body movement), ashi sabaki
(foot movement), and toho jussinho (the basic ten sword methods).
Tanrengata
- Solo forms simultaneously utilizing
multiple aspects of suburi with complimentary movements.
Battoho
- Like tanrengata with an emphasis on
powerful and efficient cuts from the draw. Drawing and sheathing is
practiced in all directions.
Tachiuchi
- Paired sparring forms that develop the
practitioner's coordination and ability to harmonize with an opponent.
Specifically the practitioner develops awase (timing), maai (distance to
target), hohaba (balance), rhythm, and kiai.
Tameshigiri/Shizan
- Test cutting with a live blade (a shinken).
Typical target materials include tatami omote and bamboo (either
Nihondake or Mosodake - - Japanese or Chinese Bamboo). Tameshigiri
offers practical insight into principles such as hasuji (edge angles),
tachisuji (sword swing-angles), and tenouchi (grip).
